Motivating Kids as they Return to School

The sun is still shining brightly and the world is ready for adventure! Your child wants nothing more than to join their friends outside, but first, they have to go school shopping with family. For most youngsters, back-to-school shopping is a chore they would rather skip, and school is simply a box to check before they rush outside to play in the afternoon. Teachers in the Diocese of Orlando’s Lakeland private schools understand the mindset of many of their students and strive to make the first day of school – and all succeeding days – memorable and enjoyable. You can ease the transition from summer to school with the following tips.  All About AttitudeYour behavior toward school will influence how your child perceives school. If you have negative feelings toward school and tell your child how much fun he is going to miss while he is in school, it will not improve how he views school. Talk about how he can learn amazing things, see friends he has missed since last school year, meet his new teacher, and play soccer in the school league. Keep your tone upbeat and he will probably follow suit. Part of the TeamInstead of school being completely separated from home, join the two by volunteering at your child’s school. Learning the school’s routine and what is expected of the teachers will help you understand homework assignments and the school will deeply appreciate your time and talent. Work StationBefore school begins, dedicate an area of your house as the study area. It can be a writing desk or a simple folding table as long as it contains all the tools to successfully complete homework assignments. Let your child choose a glitter glue or special folders for his work to make his desk his own. Only allow him to use the area for homework or he will begin to associate it with playing video or computer games. Long and Short Term GoalsYou and your child need to think of short and long term goals that are attainable in a month, grading period, and a year. When goals are met, reward your child with a special dessert, movie night, or another treat.  Reach For the StarsMeet with your child’s teacher early in the school year to let him or her know your child’s academic challenges as well as the subjects in which he excels. This information will allow the teacher to create specific lessons to strengthen weaknesses and elaborate on his favorite subjects.Parents strongly influence their children’s attitude toward Lakeland private schools. Motivate your child to begin the best school year ever with this information and many other tips on our blog page. Contact the Diocese of Orlando at 407-246-4800 to learn this year’s school schedule. We are looking forward to welcoming your child on his first day of school!